Scientific Illustration in Colonial India - The Work of Buchanan-Hamilton and Haludar

Explore a fascinating lecture about the collaborative work between Dr. Francis Buchanan-Hamilton FLS, a prominent European naturalist, and Haludar, a Bengali artist, in late 18th and early 19th century India. Discover how their partnership led to groundbreaking scientific illustrations, particularly in documenting the fishes of the Ganges. Learn about the extensive collection of manuscripts, specimens, and drawings held by the Linnean Society, featuring over 800 undescribed species and more than 200 field drawings by Haludar. Join Mark Watson, Taxonomy and Macroecology Lead at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Claire Banks, a scientific illustrator and PhD candidate, as they delve into Buchanan-Hamilton's life, his relationship with James Edward Smith, and the significance of Haludar's natural history illustrations. Gain insights into their working practices and the historical importance of their contributions to scientific documentation of Indian nature.